Renewable Energy Opportunities for Namibia

Namibia's abundant world-class wind and solar resources present significant opportunities for the country. Backed by robust policies to help harness these resources, renewable energy could play a central role in advancing Namibia’s vision for sustainable development and economic growth – driving local value creation and industrialisation. Renewables can reduce the country’s reliance on expensive electricity imports, improve energy security, and lower costs for consumers, thereby fostering a more resilient and sustainable power sector. Renewables can also help Namibia achieve universal electricity access, particularly in remote areas through off-grid solutions. The mining industry, which plays a central role in the country’s economy, can also benefit from renewables. By reducing energy costs and lowering emissions, they can improve mining operations and enhance the global competitiveness of Namibian mineral products, as demand for sustainably sourced minerals is set to grow. Thanks to high-quality renewable resources, combined with ample available land for large-scale project development, Namibia is well-positioned to produce renewable hydrogen and its derivatives and develop a new industry. These projects can help attract investment thanks to their large size and foreign offtake. Care should be taken to ensure that large-scale projects support – rather than compete with – key priorities of the country. If designed and managed well, they can offer multiple levers for sustainable development. This new IEA report – the first focusing on Namibia – explores these opportunities and how they can support the country’s development vision by integrating socio-economic considerations to achieve broader development goals.